Sometimes, your WiFi signal doesn't reach your desired area. You've seen wireless adapters in stores, but they cost more than you're willing to spend. We'll show you how to make a WiFi antenna that can be routed using ready-made items, without any new software, and without opening your computer case. Get a significant signal boost for around $30 USD (Rp. 360,000, -).
Step
Step 1. Get a Wireless USB LAN adapter "dongle"
This small device, which is about the size of your thumb, is used to connect WiFi to your computer. You will need this device even if your computer is wirelessly integrated.
- For best compatibility, get a standard dongle that contains 802.11b and 802.11g.
- Check on Google Commerce or Pricewatch for bargain prices-a simple dongle, which is quite effective for short range coverage, costs around $15 to $20 USD.
- Shape is important. To keep costs down, look for a small thumb-shaped device. The larger "squat mouse" models (cost around Rp. 600,000 - Rp. 720,000) are generally more sensitive and powerful. While it may be more difficult to install, it performs better in meeting setup requirements.
Step 2. Purchase a passive USB extension cable
You must purchase a Type A (male) cable with a Type A (female) end. (You can find them at your local department store, computer store, or at Radio Shack). It is used to connect a USB WiFi adapter to your computer's USB port.
- The antenna must be pointed, so you must place the antenna in a position directly opposite the wireless access point. Make sure your cable is long enough to fit in the required position, up to a maximum of 5 meters.
- You can connect several extension cords together if needed.
- An active USB extender (costs around $10 USD) allows you to extend the cable further, which can be used to place the antenna elevated outdoors.
Step 3. Locate the interlocked closed disk
The easiest to use is the Asian "shovel" cookware (shaped like a frying pan, but interlocked) which is used for frying – it's perfectly shaped and comes with a comfortable long wooden handle!
- Other options include filters, steamers, pot lids, and lamp covers-as long as they are disc-shaped and made of metal. Any parabolic object made of interlocked metal can be used-bigger means better signal, but harder to move.
- Larger options include unused DirectTV dishes or interlocked umbrellas, and while this would provide a larger signal addition, they are difficult to install and have high wind resistance so it is most practical to build a device that is about 12 inches in diameter (300mm).
- A flexible stemmed table lamp can be used so that the device can be installed and placed neatly.
Step 4. Assemble the system
Attach the WiFi dongle and USB extension cable to the dish using cable ties, tape, or hot liquid glue.
- The dongle must be placed at the focal point of the dish's top "hot spot"-the radio signal arrives and bounces toward the center, a few fingers above the surface of the dish.
- The best dongle locations can be found by doing a simple experiment. One method of orienting the disc is to wrap the disc in aluminum foil and look at the reflection of the sun's rays on the disc-the spots that get the most light are the hot spots of the disc.
- You may need a short stick as a support to lift the dongle off the surface of the dish to this position.
- An alternative method of support can be to use a rope tied across the face of the dish like a spider's web, with a plastic garden hose fitting with holes in it, or even chopsticks!
Step 5. Plug in your antenna
Insert the male end of the USB extension cable into your computer, and set that antenna as your WiFi card using your network settings.
Step 6. Aim your dish
Find the remote WiFi base station you want to access.
- Your WiFi antenna works based on direction, so it's important that you aim it properly. Pointing the dish at the remote antenna is the best place to start, although stray reflections from buildings etc can sometimes give a good signal from unexpected directions.
- You can use an inexpensive handheld laser pointer to check if the direction you set is correct on the wireless transmitter. It must be a lot of fun for you when you're done surfing the web!
Step 7. Fine tune your dish
Once you are connected, adjust your dish by adjusting the dongle position while looking at the meter signal on your computer.
- A program like [NetStumbler] for Windows or [KisMAC] for Macintosh can be very helpful because it shows signal strength readings in graphical form.
- Compared to factory-made WiFi adapters, which are usually placed on a table and can easily be blocked by metal walls, screens, plants or your body, a simple "homemade WiFi" device like this can boost your signal and add a huge range!
Tips
- There are many popular ways to improve WiFi reception. Almost all methods involve collecting radio frequency (RF-radio frequency) signals and feeding them into the computer's WLAN card. Because RF is very weak, this can make it difficult to wind small wires and make accurate measurements plus expensive and lossy coax cables and connectors. The USB-based method places an embedded RF receiver (dongle) into the "sweet spot" of the dish and avoids cost overruns due to chaos!
- This approach is compatible with other microwave radio technologies with dongle adapters-specifically Bluetooth & ZigBee-but will not work on infrared or memory sticks.
- A wide-mouthed plastic baby bottle can make a comfortable weatherproof container for outdoors, but don't expose it to direct sunlight or your dongle may be damaged.
- To strengthen your connection, place a tinfoil wall behind your router.
Warning
- Some WLANs can be password protected.
- Using "loaned" bandwidth may not be favored by the provider.
